It has been stated that the Blues need to sell some of their players to balance the books and adhere to the FFP regulations after spending more than £600 million over the last two transfer windows.
So, a number of Chelsea players, including Kovacic, have recently been connected with exits from Stamford Bridge. The 29-year-old’s current contract is about to expire, but he hasn’t signed a new one.
So, ahead of the summer transfer window, rumours about his future are intensifying, and it looks more and more likely that the Croatian will quit the West London club in search of a new professional challenge.
Man City first declared a desire to take advantage of this circumstance and get Kovacic for a bargain price this summer, but it now looks that Man Utd are prepared to compete with the Citizens in closing any prospective deal for the Chelsea star.
Battle
Sport Witness reports that Man City are the favourites to sign Kovacic, but Erik ten Hag’s team have now also expressed interest in the Croatian. Sport Witness is citing and translating the print version of Gazzetta dello Sport.
According to the source, Manchester United has ‘came forward’ to entice the midfielder to move to Old Trafford during the forthcoming transfer window. Therefore, it would seem that Man Utd is attempting to sabotage the Citizens’ quest to get the Chelsea player.
Kovacic, who is valued by Transfermarkt at about £34 million, can play anywhere in the middle of the pitch. He can play weaving passes between the lines, has a knack for long-range passing, and can also assist defensively. He is lively and technically sound.
The former Real Madrid player is a seasoned Premier League midfielder who has recently shown off his skills on the international stage. If Man Utd or Man City are able to sign him this summer, it would be a wonderful coup for them to acquire a talent like him.
If Man Utd chooses to compete against Pep Guardiola’s team in the forthcoming transfer window, it will be intriguing to see if they can defeat the Etihad Club in this race.